squatter

1 of 2

verb

squat·​ter ˈskwä-tər How to pronounce squatter (audio)
squattered; squattering; squatters

intransitive verb

: to go along through or as if through water
ducks squattering to the shore

squatter

2 of 2

noun

: one that squats: such as
a
: one that settles on property without right or title or payment of rent
b
: one that settles on public land under government regulation with the purpose of acquiring title

Examples of squatter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
Spenard is named for the bootlegger and squatter Joe Spenard. David Reamer, Anchorage Daily News, 1 June 2020
Noun
One resident recalled when a squatter was attacking a neighbor with a steel rebar and a beer bottle, according to KABC. Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 25 Sep. 2024 The following year, neighbors continued to voice concerns of several squatters living on the site. Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for squatter 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'squatter.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Verb

imitative

First Known Use

Verb

1785, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1788, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of squatter was in 1785

Dictionary Entries Near squatter

Cite this Entry

“Squatter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/squatter. Accessed 15 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

squatter

noun
squat·​ter
ˈskwät-ər
1
: one that squats
2
a
: one that settles on land without right or title or payment of rent
b
: one that settles on public land under government regulation with the purpose of acquiring title

Legal Definition

squatter

noun
squat·​ter
ˈskwä-tər
: a person who occupies real property without a claim of right or title

Note: In most jurisdictions, a squatter cannot gain title to land through adverse possession because adverse possession requires possession of the property under a claim of right or color of title.

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